Buzz is missing . . .

Inaugurals continue to be dull affairs at most sabhas. The atmosphere wasnıt different at The Music Academy on Thursday evening. Foes and friends who run the Academy, or support it from the sidelines, were all present. They may not have looked each other in the eye. But they greeted the Academy members and smiled - before and after the function. The Academyıs old-timers were in their seats at 5pm.

And B. K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar (second from left), Chairman, Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore, the chief guest, was at his eloquent best. This was his second time as chief guest at a sabha opening. And he reeled out quotations of Swami Vivekananda, who is obviously Vanavarayarıs idol. Just that his inspiring speech did not find the audience it may have been intended for - young people. Dull inaugurals certainly cannot attract young rasikas.

On stage, the business was proper and fast. Sangita Kalanidhi Umayalpuram Sivaraman proposed the name of vocalist, T. V. Sankaranarayanan, for President of the Academyıs conference and festival. Sangita Kalanidhi OSikkilı Kunjumani seconded it. Sankaranarayanan had a long but pithy speech to make - with some advice for young performers.

But the warm part of that speech was when he acknowledged the suppport of his wife who, as a young music student, had excelled in music contests, bagged gold medals and could have done well on the kutcheri circuit, but had sacrificed a music career, after her marriage, for his progress. The festival buzz was missing in the Academyıs lobby. And the waiters at Mountbatten Maniıs canteen in the campus, were warming up slowly. But the menu price-list didnıt enthuse the rasikas who depend on canteens for breakfast, lunch and tiffin. Maniıs lunch costs Rs.45 and for curd, you must pay extra. The Mysore bondas are good.

And yes, the lec-dems are on every morning at the mini hall. If you are a regular at the lec-dems and wish to comment on a session, e-mail at editor@kutcheribuzz.com